Prime Minister Narendra Modi is believed to be the guiding spirit behind the Centre’s insistence in pushing the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015 despite Opposition pressure and protests by farmers’ organisations.

The passage of the Bill is essential before the government rolls out industrial corridors and other mega infrastructural projects, a critical component of Modi’s growth agenda.

The Prime Minister believes these corridors will bring prosperity and development in the corresponding areas.

Accordingly, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley led the strong defence of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday followed by a number of ministers echoing his sentiments outside Parliament precincts.

While Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu asserted that “there is no going back” on any of the proposed Bills, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said it is a “pro-farmer” step.

“The government is not shying away from debate. All these Bills have been introduced with the purpose of debate.

“But we mean business and our intent is clear. The Land Bill is to remove hurdles in the path of progress for all. That is what the government wants,” Minister of State in Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told BusinessLine .

The legislative business for the next week will be announced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. Two days, March 3 and 4, have been scheduled for conducting legislative business.

Debate on Bill

But it is not clear whether the government wants to debate the Land Bill, which has already been introduced in the Lok Sabha, before even the Railway Budget is debated.

According to a senior Opposition MP, the government was keen to discuss the Land Bill in the Lok Sabha before the Railway Budget was discussed.

“The PM is very keen to push the Land Bill. Perhaps they will discuss it even before the Rail Budget is discussed in the Lok Sabha,” this Opposition MP said.

Despite the strident opposition and objections even by the NDA allies, the Shiv Sena, the Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathana and the Shiromani Akali Dal, the ruling party has the strength to push the Land Bill in the Lok Sabha.

Given the PM’s eagerness to push the bill, it is possible that the Bill may reach the Upper House next week.

“I can’t tell you the schedule. It is up to the House.

“But what is clear is that the Land Bill is our priority,” a minister said.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW